







I 


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THE ADVENTURES OF PONY DEXTER 


BOOKS FOR GIRLS 
By Laura E. R.ichards 


rshe MARGARET SERIES 

Three Margarets 

Ma.rgaret Montfort 
Peggy 

Rita 

Fernley House 


15he HILDEGARDE SERIES 


Queefx Hildegarde 

Hildega.rde*s Holiday 
Hildegarde*s Home 

Hildegarde*s Neighbors 
HildegaLrde*s Ha^rvest 


DANA ESTES COMPANY 
Publishers 

Estes Press, Summer St., Boston 



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FOR A BRIEF SPACE WE SPED NECK TO NECK 


THE ADVENTURES 
OF PONY DEXTER 


BY 


HARRIET A. CHEEVER 




AUTHOR OP 

“the strange adventures of billy trill,” 

“MADAME ANGORA,” “LORD DOLPHIN,” 

“mother bunny,” etc. 


CllustratctJ bg 

DIANTHA H. MARLOWE 



BOSTON 

DANA ESTES & COMPANY 

PUBLISHERS 



Copyright^ 1911 

By Dana Estes & Company 

All rights reserved 


PONY DEXTER 

Published June, 1911 




Electrotyped and Printed by 
THE COLONIAL PRESS 
C. H. Simonds tfc Co., Boston, U.S.A. 



LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS 


PAGB 

For a Brief Space we Sped Neck to Neck 

{Page 18) Frontispiece 

With Deft Fingers He Unfastened the Stout Rein 29 ^ 
He Made a Bold Dash — Flew to the Back of a 

Horse, Etc 44 

Oh! How I Longed for the Home Farm! . . 52 K 

He Stopped Abruptly and Looked at Me Atten- 
tively 60 

Suddenly Came Face to Face with the Man Rondo 76 ^ 






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1 



THE ADVENTURES OF 
PONY DEXTER 


CHAPTEE I 

OUCH a bright beautiful morning as it was when 
^ we set out for the pony trot! Several well- 
grown boys in our neighbourhood owned ponies. 
There was Marco Boo, owned by Will Barrows; 
Tony Swift, owned by Thomas Gray; Go-It, the 
property of Hiram Wilks, and myself : — Bony Dex- 
ter, with Perley Bolt for master. It was the four 
of us that were entered for the morning’s run. 

How a pony has eyes with which to see, and ears 
with which to hear, and it was no fault of mine that 
I heard grown lads, pretty young girls, and even a 
number of men, praise what they called my dandy 
appearance ” and extra fine points.” 

So, once I began to notice more particularly the 
various things said in my hearing, it did not take 
me long to understand that my neck was long and 
unusually well-arched for a pony, my head short, ears 
11 


12 THE ADVENTURES OF PONY DEXTER 

upright, while there was a perfect curve from the 
top of the head to the middle of the back. The body 
was rather slender in which rich veins ” showed : 
the legs, with neither splints nor side bones of objec- 
tionable size, were straight, with flexible muscles and 
delicate fetlocks, the hoofs strong and high-heeled. 

My dam, or mother, was a Welsh pony that had 
been brought to this country, and probably both 
speed and endurance were traceable to this lineage. 
For colour I was a light bay, with coal black mane 
and tail, both long and full-haired. 

I wish it could be said with truth that I loved my 
master. Horses large and small, and ponies young 
or well grown are naturally affectionate and if only 
kindly treated, are gentle, kind and willing. 

But I once heard a man say that Perley Bolt, my 
young master, had things too soft ” for his own 
good. I gradually found out that this meant Perley 
had too much money to do what he pleased with, was 
allowed to do pretty much as he chose, and had in 
consequence become a self-willed, high-tempered 
young fellow. 

I was reared on a large stock-farm, a place where 
a great many horses and ponies were bred, trained 
and sold. It is not much fun being trained or 
broken ” as they call it. In first attempting man- 
agement they allow a certain length of rein that a 
pony does not understand the use of. Then, if he 
bolts, tries to run, shows temper or great resistance, 
first thing he knows, by some trick of raising a strap 


THE ADVENTURES OF PONY DEXTER 13 

that has been attached just above the hoofs, he is 
tripped up, and there he is on his knees, head down 
and unable to rise. 

He tries to kick, no use; tries to make a plunge, 
impossible. Then he does the only thing there is to 
do, lies quietly down. They teach some startling 
lessons while he is in this position. Shake a n&ws- 
paper before his ears and eyes, a thing said to often 
terrify a horse or pony if it flaunts unexpectedly be- 
fore them in the street. 

Sometimes a trainer rings a bell or even flres off 
a dreadful thing called a pistol while we are pros- 
trate and unable to rise. But with a man standing 
close by there is a feeling of safety. And these are 
good and useful lessons. They teach fearlessness, 
and that a great many sights and sounds that would 
make us break the traces or throw a rider and run 
away if we knew nothing about them, are yet per- 
fectly harmless of themselves and need cause poor 
horsy or pony no fear. 

I was kindly treated and very happy during the 
first three years of my life at the cattle farm. The 
first simple lessons in training began when I was a 
year old. In this department I was a mere kid 
pony,” and in a large field was driven round and 
round every day, merely guided by reins, until I had 
learned to turn to right or left according to the pres- 
sure of the bit in my mouth. 

After a few months, I trotted along nearly every 
day beside a staid, steady going horse much larger 


14 THE ADVENTURES OF PONY DEXTER 


than myself, taller and stronger, that was hitched to 
a farm wagon. After I had learned courage and 
some stability by these means, a careful, good-natured 
groom began training me to the saddle, also to being 
harnessed to a light cart or wagon. But my chief 
use was to be that of a saddle horse. 

It took time and patience to bring me up to what 
was considered a degree of ripe training, yet during 
that time I was made useful in many ways. Then, 
when at the age of three years, I was sent to a great 

Horse Fair,’’ it took but a few hours to have sev- 
eral fine offers made for me, and almost the first 
thing I knew, a tall lad named Perley Bolt had be- 
come my new master. And I was sent properly 
tagged and ticketed to a place called Greenpoint, 
where a number of wealthy families had beautiful 
summer residences. 

Hear the farm,” which always for me means my 
first home, there were several children who used to 
be allowed occasionally to mount the ponies once they 
were considered sufficiently steady and gentle to be 
guided by the young people. I liked well the touch 
of the smooth hands and the laughing, coaxing voices. 

They would tickle me with make-believe whips of 
braided twine or with a bunch of tied-up grasses when 
wanting a swift run around the field. It was my 
nature to be brisk and sportive, so, when a merry boy 
or a lively, fun-loving girl would leap astride my 
shining back, giving me a smart little slap, away I 
would go, fleet, sure-footed, enjoying the fun quite 


THE ADVENTURES OF PONY DEXTER 15 


much as my youthful rider. And if the wispy 
whip showed they wished to go still faster and romp 
along, romp I would until an indrawn rein warned 
that I must tone down, and take the way more slowly. 

I have spoken of Marco Boo, owned by Will Bar- 
rows, another boy of Greenpoint, and as Marco like 
myself was reared at the farm, I of course felt inter- 
ested in him as an old acquaintance. 

Marco was a fine, spirited creature, but very nerv- 
ous and apt to he irritable if teased or driven until 
overtired. Will Barrows unfortunately was fond of 
teasing everything that came his way. A cat or dog 
or even his little sister were objects he delighted to 
worry and hector; so I felt sorry for poor mettle- 
some Marco, fearing it would go hard with him, hav- 
ing his own disposition to contend with and Will 
Barrows for a master. 

But here we were settled at Greenpoint and not 
very far from each other. And I began by alluding 
to the pony trot about to take place one charming 
day in early June. Also the four ponies whose 
names were given together with their owners, were 
the ones entered and were to compete as said before. 

At the outskirts of the town was a large automo- 
bile manufactory with a wide circular track around 
the buildings where the machines were tried and 
tested. As more cars were ordered than could be 
completed in several months, there was likely to be 
but little outside practice for a few days. So the 
boys were given permission to run their ponies 


16 THE ADVENTURES OF PONY DEXTER 

around the even drive as long as they liked that fair 
morning. 

At the fourth round, the pony coming first to the 
stake was to be declared the fastest one in town, and 
was to be given a pretty blanket. 

E’ow Perley Bolt cared nothing whatever for the 
blanket. All kinds of covers were neatly folded on 
shelves in the harness-room of his father’s stable ; hut 
he did care to have it said he owned the fastest pony 
in town. I was determined he should. Phil, the 
groom, combed my coat of shining bay, then rubbed 
it down with flannel and chamois until I shone like 
a polished mirror. Moreover he wet my fetlocks, 
sponged my head, and wove a red ribbon in my 
mane. 

In high fettle I started out, arching my neck and 
lifting high my hoofs in token of the pride I felt in 
coming victory. 

We were to start four abreast; I next to Marco 
Boo who was at one end, Tony Swift was on my 
other side, Go-It on the other end. ISTews of the race 
had spread far and wide, and the enclosure was full 
of people. Men, boys and gay lassies were on hand 
to witness the test, which after all was to be of the 
simplest character. Merely four ponies, each trying 
to outrun the others. 

At a given signal off we started, Go-It slightly in 
the lead. He had a free, swinging gait, and by means 
of an occasional kick-out kept well ahead during the 
first round. The face of Hiram Wilks showed one 


THE ADVENTURES OF PONY DEXTER 17 


broad grin, so pleased was the big boy at the brave 
output of his spunky little pony. 

But during the second round, Marco Boo all at 
once, with head stretched forward, tail afloat and 
hoofs flying, shot ahead of poor Go-It, and the grin 
that had been on Hiram Wilks^ face was transferred 
to that of Will Barrows. 

I felt fear in a pony way for Marco Boo, because 
from what among other things I had heard and seen 
at the farm, I knew that a violent spurt of unusual 
speed could not long be kept up. And sure enough, at 
the beginning of the third round, Marco suddenly 

broke up,” and despite Will Barrows’ loud cries 
and waving of the stinging pony whip, both Tony 
Swift and I, Pony Dexter, flew aliead. Then it was 
nip and tuck for us two. Tony was a quarter hand 
taller than I, the heaviest built of us all, and as his 
name indicated, swift and enduring. 

Had our riders but known it, it would have been 
far better to have kept more quiet, bent to the work 
of guiding us, trusting to our own instinctive am- 
bition to strive to run the other down. But Thomas 
Gray shouted, hooted, rose in the saddle, and acted 
as though the noise he made and the mad figure he 
cut was going to rush Tony Swift to sure victory. 

Perley Bolt, astride my back, was nearly as bad. 
He jerked the bit in my mouth, pulled my mane, 
dug his heels into my sides and roared at me as if 
to scare me into swifter action. 

Until now I had not put forth all my strength. 


18 THE ADVENTURES OF PONY DEXTER 


But suddenly I felt the good blood that was in me 
rising and clamouring to assert itself : I felt also the 
pushing power of those watching eyes, had heard the 
huzzahs when Tony and I took the lead in the race, 
almost felt the pounding of Perley’s heart as with 
breathless heat he urged me on. 

Tony Swift’s fleet hoofs seemed scarcely to touch 
the hard track as he hounded along at my side. For 
a brief space we sped neck to neck. I scarcely saw 
the bars of the fence as we shot by them. The crowd 
grew quiet with interest and excitement. I caught 
a gasping sound in Tony’s breathing. The way was 
becoming short, Tony was going in leaps ; so was I. 
Then I gathered myself for one great plunge, made 
it ; added half a dozen astounding leaps, and — the 
race was won ! 

The blanket was mine. 


CHAPTER II 


' I ' HERE was a great hubbub all around and about 
me as the race ended. Perley Bolt, naturally 
tall, looked as though he had gro’wn still taller as 
the young people pressed forward, shook his hand, 
said pleasant words of praise, and patted my face, 
neck and moist sides. 

A very proud pony I was as my prouder master, 
mounting me, rode slowly away. Phil rubbed me 
down thoroughly, but would take no notice of my de- 
sire to get over to the trough and satisfy my eager 
thirst. Hot until he had rubbed me dry and thro^vn 
a light linen cover over me would he let me drink. 

I suppose knowing creatures like men, can tell 
when it is safe or unsafe to let animals drink cold 
water. Certain it is I had to wait PhiPs time to get 
near the trough. Then how grateful, how delightful, 
the long, deep draughts of refreshing water ! Surely 
man and beast must be thankful for this common 
boon and blessing. 

I believe Phil gave me a little more than my usual 
supply of timothy and sweet clover for dinner, then, 
like a sensible pony, I dozed and rested quietly 
through the long, delicious summer afternoon. 

19 


20 THE ADVENTURES OF PONY DEXTER 

Toward evening, mj master, Perley, sauntered 
over to the stable, and during the talk he had with 
Phil, I gathered that a second pony race was already 
being planned. Will Barrows claimed that Marco 
Boo made an unfortunate sprint because of being 
stung by a great green fly at just the wrong moment. 
And Thomas Gray declared that the only reason 
Tony Swift failed of winning the race, was because 
of having had the wrong bit in his mouth by mistake. 

A day or two afterward in talking the affair over 
with his friends, Perley said with an air of impor- 
tance : — 

“ there’s one thing certain, whichever pony 
wins the race — that is, if I consent to enter Dexter 
again — there must be no making up excuses for 
those who fail. The one who comes out ahead wins 
fair and square.” 

I scarcely knew why a touch of scorn crept into 
the boy’s voice as he added, 

I’m sorry Dexter can’t race for another prize, 
but my father doesn’t like the idea. He gave away 
the blanket Dexter won and said it was glory enough 
to know I owned the fastest little trotter in town. 
He wasn’t going to have stakes put up on anything 
in his stable.” 

I shall be satisfled to have Marco Boo come into 
his own, and be acknowledged the fastest pony in 
town,” Will Barrows said provokingly. 

“ Let’s see him do it,” laughed Thomas Gray, 
owner of Tony Swift. 


THE ADVENTURES OF PONY DEXTER 21 

As the other boys turned away, Perley said to me, 
Now, Mister Dexter, you’re to take it easy until 
next trotting day; meantime, I must teach you a 
little something about saving your strength and speed 
in racing, for a strong final struggle.” 

He needn’t have troubled himself about teaching 
me that. Had I not already proved having some 
sense of the advantage of hoarding breath and muscle 
for the last hard reach ? 

The second trial came on attended with even more 
interest and a larger crowd than before. And every 
pony of the four came to the auto circle, fresh, full of 
spirit, and understanding what was expected of him 
— to prove himself the fieetest footed pony in the 
town. Eeward enough it would be to either one to 
be patted, petted and praised for having won the race. 

Tony Swift held high his glossy head and sniffed 
the air as if to say: Now watch me win where the 
other day I failed.” 

Go-It stepped lightly and looked the game little 
fellow he really was. 

Marco Boo took no notice of the rest of us, not even 
of me, his special acquaintance. I fancied Will Bar- 
rows might have taunted poor, sensitive Marco for 
not having outdone me on those last momentous leaps 
when we raced before. 

We were drawn up in line ready for the starting 
signal to be given, when a soft-hearted young girl 
exclaimed, 

Oh, I think it’s a shame to race those pretty 


22 


THE ADVENTURES OF PONY DEXTER 


creatures! Cruel, to pit them one against another, 
making them fly like mad, straining every nerve and 
wearing themselves out in the exertion they must 
make.’^ 

She was with an older sister, who replied laugh- 
ingly, 

Why, Bettie, they like it! It’s just as much fun 
for a horse or pony to run and race as it was for you 
to play ^ tag ’ a few years ago. There is nothing 
cruel in running a healthy young pony round this 
small ring four times. It wouldn’t tire out four 
strong hoys. So, enjoy it, Bettie, there’s no reason 
why you shouldn’t.” 

She spoke the truth. As long as we are not unduly 
forced, lashed, or pricked with spurs, we like to dash 
out, show our speed, and realizing there is a goal 
ahead, run for it with all the vim there is in us. Who 
has not seen two or three dogs rushing along, heed- 
less of everything hut a desire on the part of each to 
leave the others behind. Just so, we small fellows 
of the great horse family feel our ambition to run 
and win in the simple trial of speed. 

I was glad to see that Bettie looked happily on as 
we awaited the signal to start. Her eyes shone and 
once she felt the sport was sport indeed for us, she 
was quite as ready to enjoy it as anyone. 

The flag was waved and off we flew. Marco Boo, 
who I thought looked sullen as he fell into line, 
lagged at the rear, taking no notice apparently of 
Will Barrows’ angry cries and efforts to make him 


THE ADVENTURES OF PONY DEXTER 


23 


push on. I was slightly ahead from the start, Tony 
Swift but a pace or two behind. GoTt was keeping 
up a steady, sweeping gait without a sign of breaking. 

At the end of the second round Marco Boo was 
way behind. Go-It was nearly at my side. Tony 
Swift had fallen back by a couple of hands’ breadth. 

All at once Marco Boo lowered his head, struck out 
his heels, shook his mane like an angry steer, and 
tore as if wild, causing loud shouts and cheers to rise 
from the amused and now freshly expectant crowd. 

Before the third round was completed Marco had 
distanced all but myself, and I, bound to be the 
winner again if possible, ran as if for my life, no 
more than a yard ahead of the suddenly awakened 
Marco. 

And so on until within a few feet of the goal. 
Will Barrows, ready to shout with triumph, sat 
lightly in the saddle, raising himself every other 
moment as if to lighten the pony’s load, his high, 
exultant tones no doubt lending speed to Marco’s 
bounding hoofs, at the same time I knew Perley Bolt 
was trembling with excitement, as with fierce and 
husky voice he called me good, good boy,” and en- 
treated me to make but one bound more. 

Only a bound it seemed, and a second time I 
should have leaped to success, but within that short 
stride to a second victory my hoof caught, I tripped, 
and amid loud huzzahs Marco Boo rushed to the pole. 

I did not quite fall, but the sharp halt at the crit- 
ical moment proved my Waterloo. There had been 


24 


THE ADVENTURES OF PONY DEXTER 


a slight defect in the splendid track from the first of 
our starting out. It may be our fiying hoofs had 
deepened it What wonder that my small hoof catch- 
ing directly in the little rut should have arrested my 
flight, and stopped the headlong race? 

It was Will Barrows’ turn to exult and receive 
congratulations as he patted Marco Boo’s head with 
real pride. Leaving me to myself, Perley Bolt went 
over to the spot where I halted, then going up to the 
group about Will Barrows he said angrily. 

Why shouldn’t Dexter have slipped ? Go look at 
the hole big as my two fists where his hoof caught. 
Wonder is he wasn’t thrown and I with him ! ” 

Oh, none of that,” jeered Will Barrows. “ You 
made the terms yourself, Perley ; ” he repeated laugh- 
ingly: ^ There must be no making up of excuses 

for those who do not win. Whoever comes in first 
will do it fair and square the same as I did with 
Dexter.’ I’ve got the fastest pony in town.” 

Of course Perley could not say a word to this, and 
he turned away with a frown on his face not pleasant 
to see. I was wishing he would come to me for my 
left knee was beginning to be painful, and I realized 
that in sinking downward on clapping my hoof into 
that hole I extricated it with a wrench that was eoine 
to tell. 

As I stood by the rail merely fastened by my bridle 
I longed to have Phil apply the liniment that always 
helped me when sprained or bruised. I gave a low 
whinny, looking toward Perley, but he impatiently 


THE ADVENTURES OF PONY DEXTER 25 


bade me shut up ” and I wondered how I would 
fare when at last he should deign to notice me. 

I soon felt that a bimch was rising on my knee, 
but speechless animal that I was, it was useless try- 
ing to make my displeased young master understand 
that I needed care and easing. 

That is one of the hard parts of being a mere 
animal without voice to make a plaint or tell of suf- 
fering. Patience is the only thing that helps us, 
and few human beings imagine how much patience 
and endurance poor dumb animals have to teach 
themselves, in order to bear their aches and pains, 
and also to excuse the thoughtlessness of masters, 
young and old. 


CHAPTEK III 


I T seemed as though Perley would never come to 
my aid. But alas! how cold and unkind was 
his manner when he finally stood beside me ! 

With a cross, impatient jerk he drew the bridle 
from the rail, and pulled me along, not stopping to 
mount as usual. Eor this, however, I was thankful 
as my knee ached so it would have been hard to have 
borne him. He did not go along the usual road, hut 
branched off toward a piece of woods lying between 
Greenpoint and Emsted, the next station. 

What was he about to do? The forbidding ex- 
pression of his face boded no good for poor pony 
being led through this forest path. Hot one word 
had he spoken thus far since leaving the auto 
grounds, only had paced along in sullen silence, now 
and then jerking at the rein. But he was my master, 
my keeper, and I could but follow where he led ; then 
an unavoidable stumble made me long for a bit of 
sympathy, until stretching my long neck, I rested my 
chin for an instant on his sturdy shoulder. 

G^t away there, you dunce ! ” he cried, tossing 
me aside with such a violent motion that I kept as 
far from him as possible. 


26 


THE ADVENTURES OF PONY DEXTER 27 

In a secluded corner he fastened me securely. 

There ! ” he cried defiantly, stay where you are 
until you can learn to stand upon your feet instead 
of getting down on your knees just before the end of 
a race. When I get ready I’ll come for you.” And 
off he strode. 

At the farm I had heard all kinds of stories about 
the treatment of animals at the hands of masters 
good and had. Among others, I had heard how some 
men would stop right where they were with a stub- 
born horse, unharness, and tie him to the nearest tree, 
there leaving him all day and perhaps all night with- 
out food or water. 

Well, perhaps a horse or pony would deserve to 
be left alone and kept hungry and thirsty who 
through willfulness or ill temper refused to do a mas- 
ter’s bidding. 

But there was I, a faithful pony, if I do say it, 
always willing and obedient, because of an accident 
which I could in no way prevent, condemned to be 
left for hours without food or water, and without 
greatly needed care. 

What right-minded person would not cry shame 
on the ungrateful boy, willing to so misuse me! 

I gave one prolonged, pleading whinny as Perley 
marched away. He took no notice of it and was 
soon out of sight. Had he noticed that I limped as 
he led me along? He probably had as he did not 
mount as usual, but was too much maddened to ap- 
pear either to notice or care. 


28 


THE ADVENTURES OF PONY DEXTER 


The hot June sun filtered through the trees, but 
a soft breeze fanned and helped me. If I only could 
have lain down, it would have been great relief. But 
the bridle was fastened tightly to a branch on a level 
with my head, and either lying down or cropping 
grass was an impossibility. 

It was an hour before noon when Perley left me. 
A far away clock had struck four in the afternoon 
before anyone passed through the woods. I was truly 
to be pitied. My mouth was parched after the hard 
run. I was hungry, as my breakfast had been an 
early and hurried one. My knee by this time felt 
about three times as large as it really was. It was 
particularly wearisome holding up my head as I was 
obliged to, and all my pony-being was silently crying 
for relief. 

All at once I pricked an upright ear. A sound of 
whistling came from afar. Gradually it came nearer. 
My ears are keen and can distinguish between sounds 
even at a distance. I soon knew it was quite a young 
boy who was approaching, one who had not whistled 
very long. 

Sure enough ; pacing through the woods, his hands 
in the pockets of his short trousers, a little old polo 
cap on his head, came a boy eleven or twelve years of 
age. His sunny hair fiufied around his forehead 
scarcely concealed by the cap on the back of his head, 
the gay tune he was attempting going well with the 
bright, boyish face and careless stride. 

He was passing me by^ seeing nothing of the poor 



WITH DEFT FINGERS HE UNFASTENED THE STOUT REIN 



THE ADVENTURES OF PONY DEXTER 29 

pony hidden by rank bushes taller than he. I could 
not see him go. A long, shrill whinny made him 
look around in surprise. Another instant brought 
him to my side. His voice, the gentle, caressing voice 
of a dear, tender-hearted laddie, was like music and 
healing to my ears. 

Why, hossy ! he began, his dark eyes running 
me over with not altogether unpractised an air, 
“ How came you here, your head strapped up in that 
style, your eyes heavy for this time o’ day? Bless 
us, biit you’re tired ! Been running ? ” 

He was passing a hand swiftly over me as he 
talked, and I stood with one leg uplifted, for my 
knee was aching with dull thuds. 

Ha ! ” he cried suddenly, what’s this ? What’s 
got your knee, hossy ? Looks to me as if you’d been 
used pretty hard. Come here, now.” 

With deft fingers he unfastened the stout rein, let- 
ting down my tired head. Then he led me across to 
where a large rock high enough for him to seat him- 
self comfortably, enabled him to look me over more 
thoroughly. 

Thirsty ? ” he asked. 

I whinnied and stretched my head toward the kind 
hands. 

You come with me,” he said again. 

Lame, aren’t you ? Well, you’re too fine a little 
fellow to get the treatment somebody’s given you. 
Jinks ! but I wish you was my little hossy, wouldn’t 
you get the care though ! ” 


30 THE ADVENTURES OF PONY DEXTER 

He smiled a bit ruefully and added : Between 
you and me, pony dear, I don^t get just the care my- 
self I might have. But never mind ! I’m going to 
take care of myself before long, then I’ll have a bet- 
ter chance perhaps. May have a fine little hossy of 
my own some day, who knows? How drink.” 

He had been slowly leading me along a foot path 
I had never trodden before, and all at once before 
my half-closed eyes gleamed the clear water of a 
spring, — oh, gladsome sight ! I drank and drank as 
if never to be satisfied. Then I cropped the sweet, 
fresh grass growing all around the green glade. 

You’re tired and hungry and hurt,” said the 
boy ; champ away there until you’re satisfied, then 
let’s see what ails that puffy leg.” 

After satisfying my hunger, I felt overcome with 
fatigue, but on dropping to my knees, I whinnied 
with pain, then stretched my left leg straight along 
the grass. This gave the boy a good opportunity to 
examine it closely. 

Jinks ! ” he exclaimed, you’ve got a sprain 
there that’s got to be looked after, or first thing you 
know, you’ll have a stiff joint, then — they won’t 
want you long.” 

He felt all around, pressing gently the swelling, 
and peering close as if attempting to discover the 
cause of the wound. Then he looked into my mouth, 
quite with the air of an experienced little jockey. 
He seemed puzzled and began whistling as if to help 
out his thoughts. Then he said a queer thing : — 


THE ADVENTURES OF PONY DEXTER 31 

“ Hossy, I don’t believe I should think much of 
your master, and I’d like to know you, if I should 
see you again.” 

He got up and went over to the spring. In a 
moment back he came, his rather doubtful looking 
handkerchief sopped full of water. Oh, but it felt 
good, that cool, refreshing, helpful rag, bound far as 
it would go about my inflamed knee. I lifted my 
heavy eyes in dumb, yet I hoped, expressive gratitude 
to his face. 

‘‘Feels good, doesn’t it?” he said. “Well, let’s 
have it again.” 

Four times he went to and fro, kind, bonnie, will- 
ing, pressing cooling water against the hurt knee, 
already less painful as the wet, healing bit of cloth 
was applied. 

It was past five o’clock when tramping feet were 
heard, coming briskly through the woods, and at a 
little distance Perley Bolt began looking for a van- 
ished pony. In a few moments he came into view 
when my sunny young friend called out, 

“ Hulloo there! Looking for an injured hossy ? ” 

Perley came over in hot haste. “ What you doing 
with my pony ? ” he asked, neither his voice nor man- 
ner those of a young gentleman. 

But he of the sunny hair was not afraid. He be- 
gan’ 

“ I found this pretty pony in anything but a pretty 
fix. He was starved, parched and his head tied up so 
high he couldn’t rest neck or limb. Worst of all, he’s 


32 THE ADVENTURES OF PONY DEXTER 


got a sprain that if you don’t liniment or salve pretty 
freely when you get him home, he’ll have a knee 
stick stiff, then let’s see you drive or ride pretty 
hossy any more.” 

I’m able to take care of my own pony,” was the 
haughty reply. He went back on me at a race 
this morning. I tied him up as a punishment for 
his clumsiness, pitching into a hole, and losing 
me the victory of having the fastest pony in 
town. He might have looked where he was going 
and not disappointed me so! Have you let him 
feed?” 

Yes,” the boy answered brightly, I let him 
crop grass and watered him. I tied up his leg 
too.” 

Well, he won’t get anything more to-night,” 
snarled Perley. As to his knee, Phil at the stable 
can see about that.” 

I knew the kind boy watched as Perley urged me 
to my feet and led me away. I tried at the last 
moment to look my gratitude, and hoped my young 
friend understood. At the edge of the woods Perley 
mounted me, but I had to limp so badly he soon took 
to leading me again. He gave directions to Phil 
not to feed me, but to see what my knee might need. 
As he went toward the house, Phil, a great-hearted, 
characteristic Scotchman, muttered : — 

‘^Hoot! an it’s mesel will feed Meester Dexter 
all he desarves. Plenty o’ water the laddie will get 
too. An’ ye may think yersel lucky, Meester Perley, 


THE ADVENTURES OF PONY DEXTER 33 


if the braw leetle beastie gets oot o’ tbis wi’ a whole 
knee, tb’ foolish lad tbet ye are! Cross an’ cranky 
because the bit o’ a horse treeped into a bole, like as 
ye’d done yersel, bad ye coom upon it, wi’ your eyes 
feexed on a pole ! ” 


CHAPTEE IV 


HE next morning I was much better. Phil’s 



X strong liniment had put down the swelling, but 
my knee was still sensitive and when Per ley proposed 
riding me to a spot three miles distant to see a ball 
game, Phil declared it would be unwise and perhaps 
ruinous to do so. 

But my headstrong young master would not listen 
to the knowing groom, and so to the game and back I 
bore him, six miles in all. Before we reached home, 
I was quite lame again with worse pain in my knee 
than I had felt before. Phil rubbed and bandaged, 
gave me a careful drying off, and a nice warm 
mash of bran and meal. The next day something 
in his keen blue eye made Master Perley think 
it best not to meddle with his judicious treat- 
ment. 

I was coming up all right again, hut one night 
when it had suddenly grown cold for June, Perley, 
without saying a word to Phil, put on my saddle and 
rode me to Emsted, where some young people were 
to have a moonlight dance. Here I was left standing 


34 


THE ADVENTURES OF PONY DEXTER 35 


in an open shed for several hours without a sign of a 
covering. 

At midnight, Phil, who had a good room upstairs 
in the stable, heard me breathing hard and labori- 
ously. He knew an attack of asthma had come on, 
a trouble to which horses and ponies are quite subject 
upon taking a sudden cold. 

This proved disastrous. What with my knee, 
which swelled again, and the wheezing, difficult 
breathing, I was a poor sick pony, entirely unfit for 
use for several days. At that juncture something 
occurred which brought about one of the important 
changes of my life. 

Once again I was getting better, when Perley 
resolved to drive me a mile beyond Emsted in com- 
pany with Marco Boo and Tony Swift, whose owners 
like himself were to attend a picnic. Phil refused 
to get me ready, declaring it a sinful shame to ride 
a pony not wholly recovered from a bad bruise and 
an illness besides. 

Phil was a thoroughly experienced groom, caring 
well for me as well as for a splendid Morgan bay 
in a wide box stall at the other end of the stable ; but 
being a carriage horse only, I seldom saw the valu- 
able thoroughbred of which Mr. Bolt, Perley’s father, 
was both fond and proud. 

How, Phil stood his ground, declaring me still a 
half sick pony. Hard words followed. Cuddled in 
my comfortable stall, I heard Perley give lordly 
orders, and Phil declare he’d be “ pickled, salted an’ 


36 THE ADVENTURES OF PONY DEXTER 


roosted ’’ before he’d comb or saddle me again until 
I was fit for the road. 

Perley threatened to go and tell his father that 
Phil had refused to obey orders. But this time the 
Scotch temper was thoroughly roused. ’Tis to 
your father I’ll gang mesel’,” spurted Phil, “ an’ tell 
the whole story o’ yer misc/ieevous ways wi’ the puir 
leetle boss ! Meesery enough ye’ve caused him, now 
I’ll hev a bit worrd to say.” 

At that I noticed Perley changed his tune. He 
told Phil he needn’t get me ready, he’d do it him- 
self. But Phil’s sturdy reply would have made me 
smile, could a pony manage to smile. 

It’s neither you nor me will saddle th’ pony th’ 
day. To yer father I gang, an’ wotever cooms o’ it, 
may coom. I’ll stan’ noo more o’ yer dour actins, 
ye’ll see noo ! ” 

Off strode Phil in the direction of the house. In 
a few moments he returned, Mr. Bolt with him. 
Perley tried to look spunky and injured as his father 
approached, but before he could speak a word his 
father asked sternly. 

What’s this I hear about your determination to 
use a lame, sick pony ? If what Phil tells me is true. 
I’ll sell the little fellow next thing I do ! ” 

Mr. Bolt was an indulgent, generous man. It was 
a fact that his son had more money to spend than 
was good for him, also the boy had been allowed to 
have his own way to too great a degree. But his 
father, if open-handed and easy-going, was of a kind, 


THE ADVENTURES OF PONY DEXTER 37 

humane nature, and anything like cruelty and in- 
justice even toward defenceless animals, was some- 
thing he had no mind to tolerate. 

Perley listened, half smiling at his father's in- 
dignant outburst, not thinking it best to deny the 
things Phil had accused him of. But as his father 
turned away he said with a low laugh : — 

Dad blusters and scolds, then forgets everything 
before he reaches the next corner." 

Phil made no reply. Mr. Bolt started for the city, 
and Perley went off to go by train to the picnic. 

About the middle of the morning a brisk, business- 
like man made his appearance at the stable, saying 
he had come for Dexter," a pony Mr. Bolt had 
sold him. 

Phil was taken by surprise, notwithstanding what 
Mr. Bolt had said. In fact he found it hard to 
believe the truth until Mr. Van Vim, whom he knew 
for a straightforward man, showed the receipt, convin- 
cing him that I and certain effects had really been 
sold. Mr. Van Vim, who kept a first-class livery 
stable only a few streets from Mr. Bolt's place, had 
not needed to look me over before purchasing. I was 
well known in Greenpoint. 

As Phil went about getting the saddle and blankets, 
now also the property of Mr. Van Vim, he talked 
to me in grieved, regretful strain : — 

Dexter, dear-r. I'll he greetin' fer ye ! I will 
that! But Meester Bolt, he hev a temper matchin' 
Master Perley's, an' maybe it's a gude thing that he 


38 THE ADVENTURES OF PONY DEXTER 

hev. Wot th’ lad will say when he finds yeVe ganged 
awa’ I^m sure I dinna ken. It’s to a kind mon ye go, 
but ye’ll hev plenty to do at the livery. Verra like 
ye’ll not bide there lang. Bye, bye, laddie ; keep yer 
coorage oop an’ gude luck attend ye ! ” 

And so I passed from my snug quarters at Mr. 
Bolt’s, having learned what a hard, unhappy thing 
it is for a pony to live with man or boy, who, having 
a hard, strong will, is too willing to indulge it. 

But I was to have a jolly kind of life at the livery. 

Go-It, Hiram Wilks’ smart stepping pony, was 
there, and several gentlemen of Greenpoint kept 
fine thoroughbreds with Mr. Van Vim, an experi- 
enced horseman himself, who gave the best of care to 
the animals committed to his keeping. 

A man named Tillings ” was my special groom, 
a rollicking Irishman who sang in time to the curry 
comb, or stamped and whistled with the back and 
forward movement of the polishing cloths. 

Under Tillings’ careful treatment I was soon 
thoroughly myself again. All signs of asthma dis- 
appeared, my knee healed and grew strong, and I 
was ready to race and romp with the best of them. 
By this time, duly had come with its great heat, its 
myriad flowers, its thunder showers and usually 
delicious mornings. One day, a breezy girl came to 
my stall, exclaiming, So this is Dexter? Well now, 
do you suppose he’ll take kindly to the side-saddle ? 
Bather wont let me ride astride as some girls do, 
he thinks it isn’t graceful, but I’m going on that 


THE ADVENTURES OF PONY DEXTER 39 

mock hunt to-morrow, and should like to ride this 
beautiful pony if I can.” 

Then I had a new experience. Tillings put on me 
a handsome leather saddle, with shorter stirrups than 
ever had dangled at my side before, and led me out 
to the stable yard. At a high block. Miss Gladys 
Fleming mounted, and Tillings began leading me, 
until, as he said, I got uset to the flopping o’ skirts 
aboon the knees.” 

It did feel funny, all that cloth flapping against 
my sides, but the girl was light as a feather and 
must have ridden before, for in a few moments 
she told Tillings to let go, and sat Arm and fear- 
lessly as I ran at a good pace around the stable 
yard. 

There really was great sport the next day at what 
was called the fox hunt.” 

It amounted to this : an anise-bag — a bag fllled 
with anise seed or flower, of a strong, pungent odour 
— had been dragged over a considerable number of 
miles, and sporting hounds taking the scent raced 
toward the pretended lair of poor Eeynard, who for- 
tunately this time was a mere myth. Marco Boo was 
also in the race, and for the rest there were chiefly 
young horses. 

I gathered from what was said, that it was very 
unusual for ponies to be in a fox hunt, as the dogs 
were swifter than even trained hunters; beautiful, 
lithe horses, fleet, sure-footed and fond of racing, 
folding their forearms and leaping a fence like cats. 


40 THE ADVENTURES OF PONY DEXTER 


while scudding with light hoofs in eagerness to be 
in ’’ when the fox is run down. 

But this was a kind of make-believe ’’ hunt, and 
I tested my speed with real zest and enjoyment until 
horses and ponies stopped with the dogs at a thick 
patch of bushes, in which had been hidden a great 
black rag doll, placed for fun at the end of the anise 
trail. 

Could you but have seen the fate of the big rag 
doll! It was tossed and tossed, high as the indig- 
nant dogs could fling. Had it not been made strong 
with linen twine and leather bindings, the mimic 
man would have been a mere mass of tatters in less 
time than it takes to tell of it. But after half an 
hour of tossing, bounding, pulling and rending, there 
remained only fragments of what had been a funny 
figure serving as a decoy or piece of false game. 

Then the chief fun of the day being over, we raced 
home, a beautiful, sleek Arabian trotting with 
rhythmic measure to the light clatter of my hoofs. 
Go-It also made brave time, striding along with 
steady, even gait, Hiram Wilks using neither voice 
nor tightening rein to spur him on. 

It was a mirthful, healthful run, the sportive 
hounds alternately lagging behind, or rushing with 
lolling tongues way ahead of the ambling cavalcade 
that rode to the music of cheery voices and rippling 
laughter. 

It was a bright, happy chapter in my pony life. 


CHAPTEK V 


I HAD soon decided that Gladys Fleming was an 
attractive, winsome young creature of warm heart 
and loving nature. She enjoyed putting me to my 
best speed on part of the homeward way, and I found 
hearty pleasure in responding to her clucks and 
smart little pats, leaving light hoof-prints along the 
even, sunny road. 

I also felt it certain that the lordly looking young 
man mounted on the mottled Arabian, a horse of 
medium build and perfect shape, knew quite as 
much concerning Miss Gladys’ fine traits as anyone 
did. The graceful Arabian was close beside me all 
the homeward path. I want father to buy me this 
pony,” said the laughing girl, but Tillings says 
that Perley Bolt is desperate to get him back. He 
stands ready to pay more than Mr. Van Vim gave 
for him. But Mr. Van Vim said he shouldn’t have 
him back under a week from the time he began to 
be driven again if at all. I’ve told Tillings to let 
me know just the hour the week is up and he 
promises he will. Then if Perley hasn’t reclaimed 


42 THE ADVENTURES OF PONY DEXTER 

him, father says perhaps I shall have Dexter for my 
own dear pony. I want him dreadfully ! ” 

When will the week be up ? ” asked her compan- 
ion, Mr. Chester Moore. 

Next Thursday at noon,” Gladys replied. 

Now I at once became anxious to have the three 
days remaining before Thursday noon expire. What 
would take place before then, who could tell ? I only 
knew I was very, very anxious to have Gladys for 
a mistress, but was helpless to let her know it. 
I could only stretch out my neck for the caress she 
was quick to give as she dismounted at the stable, and 
look after her with beseeching eyes as they led me 
back to my stall. 

Two days after this we had a bit of rare sport at 
Van Vim’s. There was a great cat that persistently 
kept around the stable. Had he been useful and of 
a good disposition he would have been welcome and 
kindly treated. But he was determined to tease and 
pester the more nervous horses, and would worry the 
little dogs that were really afraid of him. Con- 
sequently the stable men tried to get rid of him. 

One day, Tillings was obliged to go some twenty 
miles into the country, taking a horse and buggy to a 
man who had purchased both. He was to return by 
train. Here was a grand chance to dispose of 

Hector,” as he had been dubbed. It was thought 
to be no cruelty to drop a great healthy cat, and let 
him grub for himself or find a good home, as he 
could, if he only would behave himself. 


THE ADVENTURES OF PONY DEXTER 43 


The trip was taken, Hector released, and given 
the privilege of teasing where he could. Late in the 
afternoon Tillings entered the stable to behold Hector 
perched a-top of a great bran box, as the man said, 
grinning from ear to ear.’’ He had reached Green- 
point by ways best known to himself, sooner than 
Tillings had reached it by train. 

Before this, a grocer had wanted him, and one 
morning carried him away. Ho; Hector had made 
up his pussy-cat mind to stay at Van Vim’s stable, 
and stay he would whether wanted or not. 

So there he was still nibbling at the fetlocks of 
mettlesome horses, and tormenting every little dog 
that followed its master to the stable. Tillings set 
his mind to work wondering by what means he could 
drive him away once for all. He could do nothing 
cruel, yet was bound to rid the place of him as soon 
as possible. 

On that day, the second after the fox hunt, Marco 
Boo, two or three frolicsome young horses and myself 
were in the stable yard, all full of life and fun, as 
without tether or rein we were free to caper about as 
we chose. Tillings was fastening a boot ” around 
the leg of a horse that interfered ” when Hector 
gave a sly nip at the thoroughbred’s hind leg. 

Quick as a wink ” Tillings seized the great cat 
and threw him over into the stable yard midst the 
kicking, romping horses. A spry animal like a cat 
is hard to be cornered. It will either run up a tree, 
leap to a fence or cuddle in a comer, defiance in 


44 THE ADVENTURES OF PONY DEXTER 


every bristling hair. ^N^ature has taught him the 
sharp trick of eluding running hoofs and rolling 
wheels. 

But for once Hector was completely confused. 
There was no tree to climb, the fence was too high 
to he reached by a single hound, and the rounding 
fence offered no comers. Neither was horse or pony 
going to mince matters for the frightened cat’s ac- 
commodation. Had Tillings stopped to witness 
Hector’s dilemma, his kind heart might have failed 
him in carrying out the deserved penalty. 

He ducked as for his life between our legs, tried 
to leap the fence hut failed, clawed at it for a knot 
hole, hut there was none. Finally in a fierce attempt 
to reach a crack at the stable door, he came down 
plump on Marco Boo’s hack. The pony immediately 
laid down, and rolled over, shedding the nimble cat, 
who squeezed himself close to the fence while 
perilously near the hounding hoofs he could not seem 
to elude. 

At length in wild frenzy he made a hold dash, flew 
to the hack of a horse and from that flew completely 
over the fence, landing with a slam on the back of 
an astonished staghound, who immediately gave fierce 
and growling chase. The loud whistle of his master 
called him hack, hut Hector’s flying heels made the 
men who witnessed the droll scamper roar with 
laughter. 

And that was the last of Hector. What with 
scratching for his life midst a yardful of heedless, 





HE MADE A BOLD DASH — FLEW TO THE BACK OF A HORSE, ETC, 



THE ADVENTURES OF PONY DEXTER 45 


scampering horses, escaping by a furious bound and 
merciless tumble, to be chased by a great growling 
bound of a dog. Hector evidently was warned by 
every scrap of feline instinct he possessed, that be 
bad better seek pastures new in which to indulge bis 
teasing nature. 

The week was not quite up when it would be 
decided who was to become my new mistress or 
master when an event occurred, which, all unfore- 
seen, was to bring greater changes in my life than 
any I bad yet even dreamed of. 

Erom remarks that have reached my ears, it must 
be that men and women think their lives are change- 
ful, but they perhaps seldom give a thought to the 
fact that poor dumb animals feel change only second 
in keenness to the way human beings feel it. We 
are susceptible to great homesickness, notice, some- 
times quite unhappily, a different diet, and have been 
known to grieve to death over parting with a beloved 
master or mistress. 

But in speaking of changes, I had heard Phil at 
Mr. Bolt’s stable, exclaim, Ah, weel a-weel, sic is 
life!” and Tillings at Mr. Van Vim’s livery, cry, 

Paix, an’ sich is life ! ” So I suppose if many an 
animal could use human language, its cry would 
be, Ah well, such is life ! ” 


CHAPTEK VI 


HE July night closed in misty and dark, for 



there was no moon. Tillings had long since 
gone up to his room, and for hours the dull thunder 
of his heavy snoring had boomed along our stalls. 

I slept and waked and waked and slept after 
the manner of most animals. As I slowly opened 
my eyes after a long nap, I heard a low, slow, 
grating noise which did not in the least disturb 
Tillings’ deep slumber. 'No dog was about the place 
or his quick ear would have heard the quiet picking, 
and a roaring bark would have brought Tillings 
down in great haste. 

Very stealthily at length a man entered, carrying 
a queer kind of light. I know now it came from a 
“ dark lantern,” a kind of lantern shedding light 
from a small opening that could be quickly closed. 
It is sometimes called a bull’s eye.” 

This silent figure tiptoed from stall to stall, casting 
a swift, searching glance into each. Then he came 
back to mine, lifted my feet very gently, and I think 
stuck some kind of soft, thick padding along each 


46 


THE ADVENTURES OF PONY DEXTER 47 

hoof. He next unhitched my long, leather chain 
and led me slowly and guardedly out. As he did so, 
I gave a loud, long whinny, but for once Tillings did 
not hear, and it was so against my nature to kick or 
struggle, it never occurred to me to do either. 

He closed the stable door without a sound, walked 
me fully a quarter of a mile, then mounted bareback 
and set me to a smart, steady pace. We journeyed 
all the rest of the night, and nearly all the next day, 
until I could scarcely hobble. 

Before daylight the pads in my hoofs, which made 
my hoof -beats almost noiseless, had rolled into little 
balls hurting me so the man relieved me of them. 
And at times he would dismount and walk beside me 
a few miles. As he was a heavy man I could not have 
stood the long journey as I did, had he made me carry 
him all the way. At noon he gave me a small pail of 
oats. 

Toward dusk, such a queer place as I found myself 
in ! A wide, green space, with things called tents ” 
in which lived men, women and children. It was a 
gipsy camp. And a man named Rondo,” a gipsy, 
had stolen me. 

I was not unkindly treated. Once we reached the 
encampment, water was given me, — clear and deli- 
cious it was too, right from a spring, and I was fed, 
meagrely I must confess, then fastened to a tree 
under which I could lie down, on a large, thick 
blanket, which was old and ragged, but yet kept me 


warm. 


48 THE ADVENTURES OF PONY DEXTER 


I must have slept immediately upon lying down 
for I knew nothing more until a smart slap on my 
plump flank roused me, and a July sun was already 
high in the heavens. 

A busy scene was all around. Women were wash- 
ing dishes at a rude table, breakfast was well over; 
men were brushing showy garments, while a few 
children danced to the music of bones and tambou- 
rines. I was given a scanty breakfast of plain hay, 
no oats, no sweet timothy rich with clover, but just 
dry hay and water. 

Then came the queerest performance in which I 
ever hope to flgure. A swarthy man held me flrmly 
by the bridle, while another man 'painted me from 
ear-tips to ankle-ends, and — ■ black, coal black ! my 
whole body matching mane and tail of midnight 
hue. Then they named me Don.” 

So I was no longer a bay pony called Dexter, but 
a black pony by the name of Don. 

A brand new life was before me. It transpired 
that I was to be a 'Hrick pony,” and although the 
few things I was to be taught were very simple, it 
yet was astonishing how soon I learned. 

Eirst, I was to let no one mount me but Rondo 
and a boy called ISTick,” who fed, watered and 
cleaned me, — all I ever was cleaned. Every little 
while I was given a fresh coat of colouring, which I 
somehow hated. Soon I was taught to dance, 

taking steps ” after the manner of dancing men. 
Are you curious to know how this was done ? 


THE ADVENTURES OF PONY DEXTER 49 


I am glad to say no cruelty was resorted to. 
Animals, a great many of them, are just as fond of 
sugar as are little boys. This is particularly true of 
horses and ponies. A chunk of sugar weighing half 
a pound or more was placed before me, and in time 
I came to know, just as a child would, that when I 
had done what was required I would be given the 
sugar and not before. 

Eondo would stand before me, lift a foot and 
crook a knee. Nick would slap my leg, reaching out 
his hand to take my hoof. In this way I learned the 
first movement toward dancing. 

Then Eondo would slide a foot across the sward. 
I learned to slide a hoof in the same manner. Pretty 
soon I understood with a kind of horse sense ” that 
I was to try doing whatever Eondo did, at lesson 
time. Sugar rewarded each victory, and as said 
before, it was astonishing how soon I could lift a 
hoof, bend a knee, slide, half curvet, lift another 
fore hoof, slide, curvet, turn, chasse, and promenade 
a few steps. 

Then I was taught to shed anyone and every- 
one who attempted to mount me, except Eondo, Nick, 
and one of the little girls, if she was placed on my 
back by one of the men. I must shy, curvet and 
elude anyone else. Should anyone by a dexterous 
movement succeed in getting on to my back, I must 
lie down, half roll over, and adroitly spill the ven- 
turesome one. 

For several weeks my life in the gipsy camp was 


50 THE ADVENTURES OF PONY DEXTER 


full of variety and much that was amusing while 
warm weather lasted. The outdoor life was pleasant 
and free, what was expected of me was easy in the 
main although I often was miserably tired when I 
laid down at night. My food also was coarse and 
scanty, and I missed pitifully the careful grooming 
that hitherto I had always received. 

One thing I had been taught with particular strict- 
ness was not to allow people to pat or caress me. This, 
no doubt, had to do with the paint or stain with 
which I was continually covered. Tricks however 
were not all that was expected of me. 

Every pleasant evening, Rondo, Mother Hubbard 
— the Madame of the tribe — two or three children 
and Hick, went to different villages around the place 
of encampment, and under a light, flimsy tent. 
Mother Hubbard told fortunes. Hick played bones 
or the tambourine, the children danced, and I showed 
off my few tricks. 

Wherever we travelled to and fro, on my back was 
a big box containing the velvet gown and tinsel cap in 
which Mother Hubbard arrayed herself as the 
fortune teller. Also in a great, unwieldy bundle was 
the portable tent which always must be erected by 
eight o’clock. Besides this, on the return trip the 
children would take turns in riding a-top of the load 
with which I was already burdened. 

Our tramps were long and tiresome. It was 
wonderful that the younger people could trudge so 
far, dance their jigs and flings, then walk even a 


THE ADVENTURES OF PONY DEXTER 51 


portion of the way home. But there was excitement 
in seeing troops of people, chiefly young, in gay 
spirits and bright summer attire, pouring into the 
lighted tent, and midst jokes and laughter hearing 
the fortunes told, which always must have been 
pleasant and agreeable, for they went as they came, 
full of high spirits and laughter. 

Once in a while older people came, and more than 
once, an officer of the law, in helmet, and with brass 
buttons on his coat, would come and lopk around, but 
he always found things quiet and orderly. 

I sometimes felt a hope stirring within me that he 
might be looking for a lost pony, but how, pray, 
would anyone know me for a bay pony when wearing 
a coat as black as black could be ? 

After being in a place about two weeks, we would 
pack up and go — always by night — to some other 
town, select a rural spot, a bit of woods if possible, 
pitch the tents, then at night go to some open ” 
near the village and draw the crowds sure to as- 
semble. 

I think a good deal of money rolled into Mother 
Hubbard^s tin cup. The tribe had plenty of food 
such as it was, but they lived on coarse supplies, and 
largely from the baker’s wagon sure to promptly find 
us out. The men smoked a good deal, as also did 
Mother Hubbard. 

As for me, I soon began to pine for the healthful 
nourishment always enjoyed until now. Hay and 
freshly dried grass, never anything else was given 


52 THE ADVENTURES OF PONY DEXTER 


me. 'No sweet timothy, fragrant with clover, no oats 
or crushed corn; never a mouthful of scalded bran 
after a long, long march in a chilly drizzle. For by 
the last of August we began to have cool, damp nights, 
when the men, women and children would drink 
steaming tea brewed over a good hot fire kindled 
outside the main tent after the night’s tramp. 

But no one thought of poor “ Don ” tethered too 
far off to feel the warm blaze, and longing for a little 
outside or inside warming. 

During September I began to show the effects of 
hard work and no play. My smooth coat had grown 
rough, my ankles swelled from too much wearisome 
travel, and I was tired all the time, very tired. I 
should have really suffered now from the cold but for 
an old piece of carpet that was thrown over me at 
night. 

Oh, how I longed for the home farm, or Mr. Bolt’s 
warm stall, or Mr. Van Vim’s well kept stable, with 
Tillings to care for my pony wants ! 



oh! how I LONGED FOR THE HOME FARM! 


I 


i 

i 

) 


/ 


I 


CHAPTER VII 

P RETTY soon I began to hear talk about going 
into winter quarters.” I didnT know what 
this meant, but in time it was going to be understood. 
Through September we had mild, beautiful days, and 
the first part of the month the nights were not so bad, 
seeing I had the piece of carpeting to keep me warm. 
Business was still brisk during the evening, and our 
tramps were taken as usual. 

But one night toward the last of the month there 
came a terrible rain storm. Oh, how the winds 
whistled through the piece of woods, and how the wet, 
brown leaves came twirling down! The big tent 
shook as if the stout poles and thole pins would not 
be strong enough to keep it erect. 

Great sheets of rubber cloth were stretched and 
fastened outside, while a little charcoal stove made 
the inside comfortable. The wind sent whiffs laden 
with the scent of steeping tea across to where I stood, 
not half protected from mighty gusts of wind and 
rain. 

The storm passed, but my joints were left stiff and 
63 


54 THE ADVENTURES OF PONY DEXTER 

sore from unkind exposure. Dancing was out of 
the question, neither could I journey forth at night 
laden with boxes and the weight of a child. My old 
enemy, asthma, returned, and after two nights the 
men had raised a rude shed in which I felt some ap- 
proach to comfort. 

This was doubtless felt to be a necessity, for I 
heard Rondo say to R’ick: We can’t afford to lose 
him, the best pony we ever had.” 

I did not know in just what way he might lose ” 
me, but I confess to feeling that I didn’t much care 
what became of me. I had become nothing better 
than one of those pack horses ” I had heard talked 
of at Van Vim’s stable. 

Yet even they were better off than I. For being 
naturally beasts of burden, did I not once hear Mr. 
Van Vim telling of a pair of short, hardy Percheron 
draught-horses, splendid creatures of style, strength 
and endurance, that could do their twelve hours of 
hauling day after day, and seem not a whit worn 
from month to month ? 

I was not cut out for a beast of burden, yet that 
was what I had become. 

October came while I was still wheezing with 
asthma, although getting better from day to day. 
The stiffness also was getting out of my joints, but 
with that horse sense which often serves dumb 
animals well, I still pretended great stiffness, for I 
knew that once I appeared able to get about with any- 
thing like ease, I would have to do severe work in 


THE ADVENTURES OF PONY DEXTER 55 

helping to move heavy loads, for now the tribe was 
all ready for winter quarters. 

It was getting far too cold to pitch the flimsy tent 
at the outskirts of villages; even the young people 
now preferred indoor sports, and it was plain to see 
that gipsying was over for the season. 

It was just at this time, when the camp was about 
to break up, that Nick, boy of all work, tent cleaner, 
pony tender and errand boy, was taken ill, and Hondo 
with great unwillingness declared that another boy 
must be hired for a few days. No time must he lost 
in moving, as the authorities had given notice that 
they must move on. 

I had learned many things about gipsies during 
the nearly quarter of a year I had been with them. 
Above all, that they desire secrecy, seclusion, to be 
let alone by people from outside. To this end they 
avoid all help except such as their own company can 
furnish. The same few persons will keep together 
year after year, as it is deemed a misfortune to 
receive even new members to what is called the 
tribe. 

Each one, even to the children, has his or her spe- 
cial work to do. They bought almost nothing in the 
way of wearing apparel at this camp. One woman 
begged such clothing as was needed, mended and kept 
it decent. Mother Hubbard cooked, washed dishes 
and told fortunes at night. 

Nick’s duties have already been told. Now he 
was down with fever symptoms at a time when he 


56 THE ADVENTURES OF PONY DEXTER 


was specially needed, and someone must be hired for 
a few days to help. 

From all accounts it appeared that many miles dis- 
tant was a broken down building, half house, half 
barn, where they managed to live for the winter. 
Their journey to this place must be taken within a 
few days. 

Hondo was anxious and snappish. Mother Hubbard 
also vexed and disappointed at being obliged to wait, 
and to hire help in getting necessary preparations 
made. 

I shall get a raw hand, and get rid of him 
soon as possible,” was Hondo’s remark as out he 
starte'd in quest of the raw hand.” He did not 
return until near night, then all I could see was that 
he had someone with him. 

Ah, but what was this ? Why at the sound of the 
new voice did my sides suddenly quiver with excite- 
ment and my nostrils dilate with expectancy ? 

Surely I had heard that voice before ! And 
strangely enough too, at a time when I was yearning 
for sympathy and aid. 

There were duties claiming Hondo’s attention 
when he returned, and I had not been fed since early 
noon. So the new boy was sent to give me my dry, 
coarse food, fasten on my carpet blanket, and shut 
the loose door of the shed for the night. 

Oh, oh! how like music came the familiar tones! 

Hulloo, hossy, how are you? Well, well, what’s 
got you ? Been sick ? Lame in the joints, hey ? ” 


THE ADVENTURES OF PONY DEXTER 57 

He lifted a lantern and eyed me at close range. 

Jolly ! but you make me think of a gay little 
duck of a pony I knew once, a fine dashing little 
fellow, all spirit and fire, but you’re thinner than he 
was, much thinner ; besides, he was a bay, and you’re 
black as Egypt.” 

Could I but have cried out, how thankful would I 
have been! But, how happened it that this sunny- 
haired, sunny-tempered lad had wandered from 
Greenpoint, to this woodsy place, many miles distant 
as it was? 

Ah, but did he not whisper to me that day when 
Perley Bolt had left me to myself : “ Between you 
and me, pony dear, I don’t get the care I might have. 
But I’m going to work to take care of myself before 
long, then I’ll have a fair chance perhaps : may own a 
fine bit of a bossy myself some day.” 

Hope was strong within me that when daylight 
came he would see things more clearly. But alas ! so 
deeply ingrained had become the black stain com- 
pletely covering me there seemed little likelihood of 
being able to make myself known. They called the 
boy Archie,” and to my delight he was sent again 
to feed me in the morning. His habit of talking 
while working was a great comfort. 

How, hossy,” he began, you’re going to be well 
curried, for sadly you need it, but first you must be 
watered and given something to eat. You breathe 
better than you did last night, but these joints are 
pretty stiff yet, I see. 


58 THE ADVENTURES OF PONY DEXTER 


Phew ! you ought to have hot mashes these brisk 
mornings, and your legs ought to be poulticed over- 
night. They haven’t half cared for you, have they, 
boy ? Never mind, you’ll be better one of these days, 
only I sha’n’t be here to see. I’m on my own hook 
now, earning here a little, there a little. I’m going 
to be what they call a ^ vet,’ a veterinary doctor, able 
to take care of ailing horses and other animals. I 
love a nice hossy, as I do a nice man, and never a 
rough touch will any creature o’ God’s get at my 
hands.” 

He was rapidly preparing my meagre breakfast as 
he talked, and while so busy Rondo came to the shed, 
saying he wished to comb me himself. 

Oh, what a disappointment! Por I had thought 
that the vigorous combing Archie would give me, 
might rub off some of that false colouring and set his 
quick wits working in a way to lead to a discovery. 

Early in the afternoon it became necessary for 
Rondo to take a long tramp, seeking certain supplies 
from the distant village. Also there came a welcome 
call for Mother Hubbard to tell fortunes at a fair to 
be held in the village. Caring nothing for the walk 
of two miles and more, out set the pair, to be absent 
nearly the rest of the day. 

Archie had been given orders to put fresh straw in 
my shaky stall, a thing greatly needed, also to nail 
on a few shingles where the rain could run in rather 
too freely. 

Hope again rose within me as he promptly set 


THE ADVENTURES OF PONY DEXTER 59 


about doing as he had been told. I learned that 
Nick was some better, but still confined to his mat- 
tress of straw in the chilly tent. As usual Archie 
began talking as he worked : — 

I should think it was high time something was 
done to this draughty place, Mister Pony. It needs 
more than about half a dozen shingles to make it fit 
for any kind of a creature to sleep in, but I’m going 
to get out of this as soon as I can : had to sleep last 
night rolled in a blanket, but thank fortune, ’twas 
my own ! Carry it in a big roll wherever I go : that, 
and a comb, toothbrush and a couple of decent towels. 

Lord Rondo offered me good pay to take an- 
other boy’s place for a few days, but the other boy 
must get well quick for I don’t think much of this 
crowd.” 

He broke into a merry whistle, as out he thrust 
the old grass that had grown damp and musty in the 
miserable shed, then, still whistling blithely, he began 
bringing in a little straw, and such dry underbrush 
as he could find. 


CHAPTER VIII 


OULD I not make some sound or sign to make 



him understand ? I turned on him eager eyes 
and whinnied in low, urgent manner. 

He stopped abruptly and looked at me attentively. 

Jolly ! ’’ he cried, how exactly you whinny 
like that little hossy I knew a few months ago.’’ 

I tried again, stretching far my neck in endeavour 
to reach his kindly hands. 

He dropped a mass of brush and came close to me. 

I rubbed my head against, his shoulder, beseeching 
in every way I could that he would find me out. 

The boy looked puzzled. If only your coat 
wasn’t so black,” he murmured, “ I’d surely think 
I knew you, but it couldn’t be a pony would change 
like that.” 

He rubbed his hand along my neck. Ah ! that was 
just what I wanted him to do. 

How rough you are ! ” he murmured again. 

Hot half combed. I wonder where Lord Rondo 
keeps the curry? He didn’t tell me not to use it; 
perhaps thought I wouldn’t know how. Ah, I see it 


60 



JiiAItTHA »/«*»«_ - 


HE STOPPED ABRUPTLY AND LOOKED AT ME ATTENTIVELY, 




THE ADVENTURES OF PONY DEXTER 61 

on this nail. Great comb I should say: stumpy, 
harsh, hah ! ‘ What a thing to use on a decent pony ! ’’ 

He ran it slowly, deeply, along my neck, then 
paused and looked at it. I trembled with joy and 
anxiety. 

I never felt such sticky, stubby hair on any 
created beast before,” he said under his breath. 

I whinnied and moved close to him as I could. 

You want a good, thorough cleaning, don^t you ? ” 
he asked, his hand on my head. 

I tried to whinny Yes, oh, yes ! ” 

He ran the comb along the same place. 

“You look brown where IVe scraped,” he said, 
the puzzled look deepening on his face. 

“ Hossy,” he cried softly, “ I’m going to wash 
you where IVe combed and scraped, but don’t 
tell.” 

He went out and was gone some time. When he 
came hack he had found a rag and a hit of soap. Then 
he rubbed and rubbed. Finally he gave a long, low, 
and much surprised whistle. 

“ As true as you’re a horn pony, you’re a he 

said, “and — jinks! but I understand!” 

I stamped, whinnied and stepped and stepped 
with excitement. 

“ Oh, I’ll find you out fast enough now, I reckon,” 
he added, as if in reply to my urgent antics. 

He felt my fetlock, carried a slow, cautious hand 
across my left knee ; “ Yes, that’s where it was hurt 
and swelled,” he ruminated. 


G2 THE ADVENTURES OF PONY DEXTER 


I switched my tail and fairly nodded my head, 
trying to assure him he was perfectly correct. 

Then to my joy he looked into my mouth. 

“ The very hossy ! ’’ he exclaimed with a gleesome 
chuckle. I said I should want to know you if we 
met again, and here we are! l^ippers show over 
three years of age, milk teeth all gone. iN’ow, Mister 
Pony, let me tell you a story : — 

There was a great hullabaloo when a certain 
pony’s stall was found empty one morning early in 
last July. Tillings at Mr. Van Vim’s stable was wild 
about it. He was sure the stable door was securely 
bolted the night before, and no sound reached him 
during the night. 

The meanest thing about it was ” — the lively 
voice dropped, and it was in hurt, grieved tones that 
the boy went on, Perley Bolt, your former master, 
raised a story that I, I had let you out 1 ” I looked 
around. Oh, I know you well enough now,” he 
said with decision ; you’re the ^ Dexter ’ that dis- 
appeared from Greenpoint three months ago, and has 
not been heard from since. 

You see, Perley Bolt never forgave my helping 
poor pony the day he was left tied, head up, in 
the sun, without food or water and with a hurt 
knee. 

More than one person was sadly put out by your 
disappearance. Mr. Van Vim felt you a considerable 
loss. Perley Bolt made a great noise about it; 
blustered, scolded and said you must be found, as 


THE ADVENTURES OF PONY DEXTER 63 


he considered you were almost as good as his again, 
and finally tried to fasten the matter on me. 

I am thankful to say the story was so ridiculous 
no one believed it, for those who knew me best, knew 
me for at least an honest boy, who would have 
wronged no one in such a way. Besides, when they 
looked around in the morning, there were footprints 
in the mud where the hose had been used before the 
stable door, that must have been made by a man wear- 
ing about a number ten shoe. Such a shoe as Lord 
Hondo must wear. 

I had been working for my half -uncle, a hard, 
driving man, who would give me no chance for study, 
paid me almost nothing, and never praised me even 
when I became almost sick in my efforts to please 
him. 

Perhaps the person who felt the worst over your 
vanishing, next to Mr. Van Vim and Tillings, was 
Mr. Clifton Moore. He is soon to marry sweet 
Gladys Fleming, and as she was very much in love 
with you, he had it all arranged that you were to he 
one of his wedding presents. Perley Bolt would not 
have got you anyway. 

How I must think up what to do. IVe been 
going westward, hoping to get steady work, but I’ll 
get you hack where you belong somehow, — see if I 
don’t!” 

After a few moments I heard the boy mutter, 
How I must cover up my tracks ; ” and after a 
long search he came with the familiar pot of black 


64 


THE ADVENTURES OF PONY DEXTER 


juice in his hand, and carefully smooched over where 
he had rubbed the blackness off. 

My heart seemed at rest. When, or in what 
manner Archie ’’ would restore me to rightful 
owners I could not tell. But the very idea of occupy- 
ing what now looked to me like the most luxurious 
place in the world, my box stall at Van Vim’s stable, 
and receiving Tillings’ skilled care, was enough to 
make me patient and almost content. 

True, I was kept in the dark a number of days as 
to what Archie intended to do, for there was further 
delay; Nick’s recovery was tryingly slow, and 
Archie had stayed on for a week, when one morning 
he came to the shed, his face troubled, his voice 
trembling with indignation. 

Hossy,” he began, your time has come ; our 
time I mean. Rondo refuses to pay me what he 
promised. He says I have only earned my keep. 
He agreed to give me fifty cents a day in money: 
little enough for what I’ve had to do and the miser- 
able scraps of food I’ve had to put up with. 

I’m sure now that he was the one who stole you, 
for last night when I was snoring to pretend sleep, I 
heard Mother Hubbard ask : 

^ Wot would you do. Rondo, if Greenpoint folks 
found out as you took Hon ? ’ 

I heard an angry cluck, then all was still. 

Mother Hubbard took great risk in asking such a 
question when I was in the tent, even if I was asleep, 
and even though she never supposed I had ever heard 


THE ADVENTURES OF PONY DEXTER 65 


of such a place as Greenpoint. Be patient a bit 
longer, Pony Dexter, and we’ll see what we’ll see.” 

At noon back he came to the shaky shed, his face 
one broad grin, yet with a manner so quiet and 
reliant, I knew something of importance was about 
to happen. 

“ Great luck, hossy,” he chuckled softly, “ great 
luck! 

“ Mother Hubbard goes to some kind of a ^ bazar ’ 
this afternoon in her fortune-telling rig. Hick must 
have more medicine, and Rondo won’t trust me with 
money to buy it. Besides, he wants to see a pedlar 
about borrowing, a big horse to help in moving cer- 
tainly by another week. He knows I intend making 
off to-morrow, pay or no pay. 

“ I’ve told him ^ Don ’ must be walked up and 
down the road, or he’ll be too stiff to travel next week. 
I hope you could walk pretty briskly now if you 
tried.” 

I kicked out first one hoof, then another. He gave 
me a sportive slap : “ I do believe you could run,” he 
said with another low chuckle. He w^ent on: 

“ How, Dexter, I’m going to have my bundle all 
ready at the edge of the woods, and as soon as Rondo 
is out of sight I’ll lead you slowly along out to the 
road, then — we’ll run for it! 

Fortunately Rondo goes in a different direction 
from the one we must take, and if only you have the 
courage and strength, we’ll be miles away from this 
place before anyone knows we have gone.” 


66 THE ADVENTURES OF PONY DEXTER 


Up came all my proud, hot blood. I no longer had 
asthma. I no longer was lame. True, I trembled 
like a leaf, but only because of my wild desire to be 
out and away. With Archie on my back, how I 
would romp and tear, leaving the gloomy woods and 
the unkempt gipsy tribe far, far behind me. 

]^o knowledge and no care as to how the night 
would he spent occurred to me ; one thing was sure : 
I should fare as well as my trusty rider, and all the 
comfort he could devise would he mine. 

The grand moment came. Into the shed walked 
Archie, a grave look on his young face. He knew 
more than I did of the risk he was about to run, but 
there was no hint of faltering. 

He had to quiet me as we left the shed, for I was 
inclined to jump and caper at the joyful prospect 
before me. In fact I was so frisky that only when 
Archie turned as if to lead me back to the shed could 
I come down upon my four feet and manage to walk 
sedately along. 

That’s right, pony,” he cheered, “ it will he time 
enough to show how smart you are when we take to 
the road in earnest. Tor a noble trot there is before 
you, my boy, before we’ll sail or swoop into harbour.” 


CHAPTEK IX 

A T the spot where he had left his great bundle, 
Archie unrolled it, and doubling his blanket 
into a square, put it on my back, for he had brought 
away only the bridle which was rightfully mine. 
This reduced what he had to carry to a quite mod- 
erate package. 

Once fairly started, I still was not allowed to rush 
or put forth all my strength. 

Steady, steady there ! ’’ warned Archie ; pru- 
dence is the word for you and me, pony boy ; the way 
will be as long as you can stand until to-night, and 
will be still longer to-morrow. I hope to-morrow 
night will see us at home, but you must not tire too 
soon. Besides, there is no knowing what Lord Kondo 
may do. He isn’t the man to let a fine pony escape 
him if he can help it, even if it was stolen in the first 
place. 

Keep on going, but don’t get winded before we 
reach a place of possible concealment. So, ho, pony, 
it looks as if we were on the high road to good times, 
you and I ! Let me tell you something not men- 
tioned before. 


67 


68 THE ADVENTURES OF PONY DEXTER 


Mr. Van Vim has offered a handsome reward to 
anyone discovering or bringing you back. I don’t 
care for money just because it is money. I’d have 
returned you, or told your whereabouts merely to 
have seen right done, but if I should get a little help 
to start me on my way, don’t you see what a thing 
it would be for me ? 

I could begin by helping an experienced horse 
doctor, with perhaps a chance at some schooling. But 
you see a chap must have clothes. I’ve got three 
precious dollars earned by doing odd jobs, and I’ve 
managed to find food and shelter for nearly two 
months. 

That is all the money I own, and Hondo ought 
to be ashamed of himself to go back on his word, but, 
was I at all wise to trust a gipsy ? ” 

Away we went at a steady, sensible gait, and thank- 
ful I was that breathing seemed easy, and my legs 
after their rest of a few days had gained more 
strength than I had supposed. 

Archie kept me to by-paths and back streets all he 
could, yet taking care to follow the telegraph poles, 
which he knew to be a guide. People did not appear 
to take much notice of us as we tripped along. For- 
tunately the weather had held mild, and before the 
early dusk had fallen, not a few miles had been gone 
over. 

As it grew darker the boy drove me to the back 
of a barn at the rear of a house that had no tenants. 
Here he tied me, saying, I thought a little anxiously : 


THE ADVENTURES OF PONY DEXTER 69 


Now don’t whinny, or make any sound. I’ll soon 
be back.” 

He went away, and I was glad on looking around 
to see a neglected orchard back of me, a place where 
it was not likely anyone would be strolling at that 
hour. But I was relieved when my boy-rider re- 
turned, a long, stout paper bag in his arms. 

He managed to mount, and with the paper bag 
before him drove me on. There was a young moon 
and by its light he guided me still further until we 
came to what I felt sure he was looking for, a piece 
of woods. 

The place was at the end of a long, straight road, 
and in the stillness of night any sound could be heard 
a long distance away. Into tlie shade of partially 
leafless trees I was led, and from the big paper bag 
was given a small measure of oats and hay. 

Must keep some for to-morrow,” Archie said. 

From the pocket of his loose cardigan jacket he 
took some crackers, which furnished all his meal. 
Shortly before entering the rather too open dell, I 
had stopped at more than one water trough, so I did 
not suffer for a drink. 

Animals of nearly all kinds require a great deal 
of water, but there was a joyous instinct keenly alive 
that night making me feel sure of having as much 
water as would be good for me, all in good time. 

The boy who was now my kindly keeper did some 
strange things in preparation for the night. He ap- 
peared to examine every foot of ground within a 


70 THE ADVENTURES OF PONY DEXTER 


large space. He also forgot to talk aloud as he peered 
hither and yon. At length he gathered together a 
great pile of leaves; oh, a very great pile. Spread- 
ing his blanket on the ground, he bade me lie down. 
As I did so, he spread a portion of the blanket over 
me, so that it was both under me and forming a 
coverlet. 

How, hossy,” he said, it may be tough, but 
you must do just as I say. After I get you fixed, 
lie still, don’t attempt to roll over or lift your head, 
but lie perfectly quiet.” 

Then he began heaping leaves over the blanket, 
which fortunately were not damp, as they might have 
been. I had sense enough to know he was hiding me. 
My head was on a little mound which made it easier 
for breathing, and tired as I was, sleep would not 
be long delayed. 

Archie crouched at the foot of a still leafy tree. 
I feared he would take cold, although under the car- 
digan jacket was a decent sweater; but we were just 
a boy and a pony trying to work our way to home and 
proper shelter, not over strong either of us, and just 
now rather unprotected. 

But the idea kept floating through my head : Only 
for to-night, only for to-night, and then our tribula- 
tion will be over.” In broad daylight, the bra^vny 
gipsy would not dare to follow and claim me, for 
then, Archie could declare boldly that I had been 
stolen, and investi^ration would follow. 

But in the dark and stilly night it would not 


THE ADVENTURES OF PONY DEXTER 


71 


be pleasant to have him discover and overpower 
us. 

It grew very quiet and very dark as the young 
moon set and the night grew late. Even the few 
crickets that had chirped for a while drowsed off into 
silence. It must have been past the middle of the 
night when pounding hoofs sounded from afar on 
that long stretch of road. 

Then a rustling nearer at hand caused me to partly 
raise my head and peep around. Archie was climb- 
ing the leafy tree. He had caught the thud of those 
heavy hoofs and was ascending to a place of safety 
where he could see and not be seen. 

I curled under my nest of leaves, but kept ears 
alert. The hearing of animals is acute. I knew by 
the way that rider approached that his was an eager 
quest. Two men were on the back of the powerful 
horse that doubtless had been borrowed to aid in the 
night search. 

At the strip of woods they halted, and the light 
of a lantern flashed amidst the darkness. I heard 
Hondo’s harsh voice say: 

They can’t be here. We can see right through 
the trees and there’s nothing tethered. I think the 
spry young rogue would push on to that thicker bunch 
of trees and tangle two miles farther on.” 

“ Do you think the pony could go that far ? ” asked 
the other. “ I doubt me but we’re on the wrong track 
altogether.” 

Don’t croak,” snapped Hondo, we’ll push ahead 


72 THE ADVENTURES OF PONY DEXTER 


to the other thicket; the pony might be glad to get 
away, and do better with his legs than we’d think 
for.” 

Ah, Mister Kondo, you were right that time if 
never before ! 

He swung the lantern to his arm, made a circuit, 
coming to within a few yards of where I lay quiet 
as the leaves that covered me. I could imagine 
how big the boy’s eyes must have grown as he 
watched the search-party that now wheeled and rode 
away. 

As the hoof beats grew distant, Archie came to 
the ground, cowering close to me as if to get warmth 
and comfort from my warm sides. I moved a little 
to change my cramped position, while feeling glad 
to have the boy near me. And very glad I was to 
hear the tones of his voice. 

That’s right, hossy, turn a little ; it will relieve 
you. But we must be wary. I think our pursuers 
will come back when they miss us two miles ahead. 
How I must heap up these leaves again; it won’t do 
to have an ear or a leg give a suspicion.” 

He scattered handfuls of leaves all about me, then 
lay down close to my curious bed. Could he only 
have been sure of the course Hondo had taken, we 
might have stolen off in an opposite direction, but no 
doubt the boy was wise in thinking it the best plan 
to stay where we were. 

I felt as though another night had passed when 
distant hoof beats again sent Archie climbing the 


THE ADVENTURES OF PONY DEXTER 73 

tree after hastily scattering more evenly my covering 
of leaves. 

The great horse came thumping along, stopping 
short while the men took a second sharp look by lan- 
tern light along the sombre network of bushes and 
scattered trees. But neither figure of boy nor form 
of pony were visible in the dampness and unbroken 
stillness of the place. 

They havenT been here/’ growled Eondo, pulling 
a sharp rein, and clattering along the road, went 
horse and men, but not on an unbroken trot. Every 
little while they stopped, and it was evident, listened 
if possibly the sound of a pony’s foot might reach 
their ears. 

As all grew still again, back to my side came 
Archie, his teeth chattering with cold and anxiety. 
I sat up partly, enabling him to rest his head on my 
shoulder, but I do not believe either of us slept for 
a long time. Then I was glad when the sound of 
heavy breathing told me the boy was sleeping, his 
sunny head on my shoulder, his light form resting 
against my side. 

I dozed too, for I was very tired. The trot of the 
long afternoon, although deliberate, had taken a good 
deal of pluck and strength, and the few hours of com- 
plete rest now taken were worth a great deal. And 
if I felt cramped from lying unusually long in one 
position, not for anything would I have disturbed 
the dear laddie, resting so quietly beside me. 

The pale light of an October morning was glim- 


74 THE ADVENTURES OF PONY DEXTER 


mering through the trees when at length the boj 
awoke. 

Hullo, hossy,’’ he cried, a note of triumph in his 
glad young voice : here we are, all right ! How for 
a make-believe rub, a bite of breakfast, then a long 
pull and a hard pull, and if I’m not mistaken, we’ll 
sleep in snug, warm quarters to-night — some- 
wheres.” 


CHAPTEK X 


HE rest of the oats and hay were sweet to my 



A taste and I could have wished there had been 
more ; as for water, I must wait for that until some 
friendly fount or trough appeared on the way. 

Archie ate a few crackers, shook out his sweater 
and jacket and gave the blanket a vigorous flouncing, 
but could do no more for me than to shake off or 
pull away the damp leaves clinging to mane and tail. 
The blanket was strapped to my back, and then to 
the road again. 

It will always be my belief that that was the long- 
est day of my life. I was made to travel slowly from 
the start, and it was fortunate that such was the case : 
otherwise I never could have accomplished such a 
tramp. Archie, too, walked miles, for every little 
while he would dismount and stride along beside me. 

At noon, my legs began to ache, I did not breathe 
quite easily, and had it not been for the belief that 
by night the hard journey would be over I feel sure 
discouragement would have overtaken me. And an 
unlooked for trial was before us. 


76 


76 THE ADVENTURES OF PONY DEXTER 


Early in the afternoon, Archie stopped at a store 
where hay, grain and feed,” was on a sign over the 
door, and suddenly came face to face with the man, 
Eondo. 

“ Ah, my fine, honest friend,” the man began, so 
you thought to make off with my pony, Don, did you ? 
Well, you see I can travel by train faster than you 
can pony-back. Now I’ll trouble you to get off, and 
let me get on that sprightly Don.” 

No, I sha’n’t,” said Archie stoutly. This pony 
belongs to Mr. Van Vim of Greenpoint, and I’m go- 
ing to take him home. He was stolen away last July, 
and his name is Dexter, not Don at all.” 

You can’t prove that,” roared Eondo. I’ll call 
a policeman and tell him you are a young thief.” 

Call away,” said Archie. This little boss has 
been advertised for, and I’ll ask Mr. Policeman to 
give the pony a scrub and see him turn from rough 
black, to a smooth, handsome bay.” 

At that, the gipsy said some very improper words 
but moved off muttering : 

I wish I’d caught you in the night, you young 
cub!” 

Archie made no reply, but I was glad Eondo had 
found out that we knew how I came to he a trick 
pony in his unclean camp. We saw no more of him. 
He had reason to he afraid of us, while we had no 
reason to he afraid of him, seeing we were not alone 
or in the dark. 

Again, mile after mile was passed during the af- 



c 


-JilAIrrHA #v« 


SUDDENLY CAME FACE TO FACE WITH THE MAN RONDO, 



THE ADVENTURES OF PONY DEXTER 77 

ternoon, and until the early darkness fell. At last 
the way became familiar. Ah, how good it seemed ! 
Here were outlying places where I had galloped and 
romped, first with Per ley Bolt on my back, then with 
the lark-loving boys who hired me from Van Vim’s. 
Tillings also had exercised me along these smooth 
roads, and there was the great auto building and track 
where the races had taken place. 

^^7 • I could almost see the snug, warm box 

stall at Mr. Van Vim’s livery, and smell the clover- 
laden hay as wearily, haltingly and nearly spent, I 
reached the stable door. 

There was Tillings taking in a great pitchforkful 
of bedding from a side door, and at the boy’s sharp 
whistle he paused, a curious look of inquiry on his 
ruddy face. 

Hulloo, Tillings,” Archie sung out in his blithest 
tones. 

Hulloo, yourself,” Tillings replied aghast: 

thought you’d started out to find your fortune, 
Archie Train. What forlorn little beast you ffot 
there?” 

It’s Dexter, I’ve brought him home.” 

Archie spoke quietly, yet I felt him quiver with 
satisfaction and delight. Tillings replied in dkgust, 

Ho, you don’t ! That sorry little nag any rela- 
tion to Dexter ? Ho, oh, no ! You can’t come that 
over me ! ” 

Ah, but I’ve the great story to tell you, Tillings. 
First, though, the poor little hoss wants everything 


78 THE ADVENTURES OF PONY DEXTER 

the stable can do for him. He’s cold, hungry, thirsty 
and footsore and lame from almost endless travel. 
He’s been worked, half fed, and exposed, until he’s 
poor as a crow. Then again he’s been painted black 
right over his natural coat of bay.” 

Tillings by this time was standing open-mouthed, 
the pitchfork of straw tilting ludicrously in mid-air. 

Where’s he been ? ” he gasped. 

Off in a gipsy tent. Gipsies stole him. They’ve 
taught him to dance and show off. Come now, I tell 
you the poor little boss is all used up.” 

For answer, Tillings rushed into the stable, threw 
the bedding into a stall, and called lustily : 

Misther Van Vim! Misther Van Vim! will ye 
be cornin’ here, plaze.” 

In a moment Mr. Van Vim appeared, and Tillings 
jabbered off the strange story just heard as if only 
half believing it. Meantime Archie stood holding 
me by the bridle. 

Take care of the poor little fellow,” Mr. Van 
Vim ordered. And you, Archie Train,” he added, 

had better go and stay with Widow Hebble for a 
few days ; she will be glad of your help, I know ; then 
something may turn up for you to do. But I want 
to ask one thing : please say nothing to anyone about 
Dexter’s return. I have my own reasons, for not 
wanting it known at present. I hope you will oblige 
me in this respect.” 

Archie promised to keep the matter strictly to him- 
self, waved me a cheery good-bye, and went his way. 


THE ADVENTURES OF PONY DEXTER 79 

leaving me thankful at knowing he had a good place 
awaiting him. 

How could a pony describe the comfort and 
luxury of what followed for me ! Exhausted as I 
was, Tillings knew all about the refreshment and 
renewing that would come through needed treat- 
ment. 

First, I was watered, hut not too freely, then fed, 
oh, how delightfully ! I^ever can I forget the satis- 
faction and healing of that hot mash ! It was only 
bran thoroughly scalded with a little meal added, but 
it really gave me strength for what Tillings thought 
should be done before letting me lie down for the 
night. 

Next into the washing trough went pails of hot 
water. But before washing, Tillings put some strong 
smelling stuff all over me. I know now it was to 
make that colouring matter come off the more easily. 
The man worked more than an hour, talking and 
scolding to himself as spongeful after spongeful of 
dark, sticky stuff yielded to the vigorous rubbing and 
was washed away. 

Three times the trough was filled before Tillings 
considered me cleansed. Then how good the curry 
comb and drying cloths felt. At last I was all soft, 
glossy and hay! 

Tillings, surveying his work, cried almost with a 
sob: 

Lean as a starved cat ye are and weak as a new 
baby; but it’s plump as a patridge an’ sassy as a 


80 THE ADVENTURES OF PONY DEXTER 


magpie we’ll be havin’ you in no time, that we will, 
thin ! ” 

He added more in his own jolly tones: 

Your oarn tasty blanket will cover ye all spick 
an’ span ; now to bed wid ye, an’ if there’s a claner, 
more promisin’ little, boss than you be th’ night, jes’ 
trot him up, an’ I’ll be takin’ off me hat till him; 
I will that!” 

He led me to my beautiful, longed-for stall. Then 
what glory ! In my own fine bay coat, clean, well- 
fed, and having been abundantly watered, I laid me 
down to such sweet, untroubled sleep as I had not 
known for many a long week. 


CHAPTER XI 



ARLY the next morning, Tillings had me out 


-L' for another thorough wash and such a combing 
as a boy would have called fierce.” He surely had 
some reason for wishing me to look my best, and I 
was willing to believe him when he said I looked 
like velvet,” whatever that may be. 

My breakfast of oats, timothy and clover, put still 
further new life into me, and everything took on a 
fresh, bright look on that cool October morning. 

Xo sooner was I polished for the day than in came 
Mr. Van Vim and with him a gentleman that I did 
not at first recognize. They came directly to my 


stall. 


“ You see,” Mr. Van Vim began, he is the same 
fine, shapely little fellow he always was, very thin 
just now, but that is owing to having been overworked 
and underfed. In a couple of months he^ll be the 
Dexter of last spring, fleet of foot, sound of limb, as 
clipper a little pony chap as ever stood. 

Perley Bolt has given me no rest in his craze to 
know if the pony has been found. He would be glad 


81 


82 THE ADVENTURES OF PONY DEXTER 


to pay more for him than in the first place. But I’d 
rather not sell him back to young Bolt. He’s a heady 
lad, and apt to forget that animals have feelings.” 

By that time I knew the gentleman for Mr. Clifton 
Moore, who was to marry pretty Gladys Fleming. 
Was he about to buy me? If so, what cheer! For 
although I had the best of care at Mr. Van Vim’s, 
yet it was a livery stable, and there was no knowing 
who might come along and hire me, or become my 
master. 

It was a pleasure to find that Tillings had the same 
habit as Archie of talking to himself aloud or to an 
animal he might be grooming, for in that way I found 
out a great deal that otherwise I would not have 
known. 

In fact I have noticed that most men and boys 
are apt to address an animal, giving considerable 
confidence, as if sure of not being betrayed. They 
never are. And we really and truly understand 
much more than human beings suppose us able 
to. 

As days went by I found that a good deal of 
secrecy was being observed concerning me. I felt it 
must be that Mr. Van Vim and Tillings were taking 
great care to conceal the fact of my return, and I of 
course remembered the charge that had been given 
Archie not to speak of me. 

I was led several times around the stable yard 
early in the morning and again after dark for exer- 
cise, but at other times was kept in my stall, where no 


THE ADVENTURES OF PONY DEXTER 83 

one from outside would be likely to see me. Orders 
to the stable hands would doubtless be obeyed. 

One morning on bringing me my oats and hay 
Tillings broke out: 

'' Ah, th’ jolly b’y you’re gettin’ to be, an’ not be- 
longing to us anny more aither ! Whist, whilst I tells 
ye : Misther Moore was on th’ point o’ buying Marco 
Boo, young Will Barrows’ spruce young pony, when 
Marco ups and throws Misther Will, cracking one o’ 
his ribs. 

Will, he confessed to bein’ at teasing Marco by 
ticklin’ first one ear, then th’ other, but Misther 
Moore he wouldn’t thrust his sweetheart ov a lady 
with anny beastie wotever that wud toss a rider even 
wor it bein’ teased. It’s the patience ye hev to hev ! 
An’ it’s th’ poor dumb crathers that must offn be 
found fault with, wen it’s th’ young oarner that’s to 
be blamed.” 

So much I learned from Tillings: yet I was left 
in the dark as to whether it was Mr. Moore who had 
bought me. 

Another day while Tillings was grooming me, he 
began : 

Faix, and it’s the sly dogs are them gipsies ! The 
boy as brought you back told some secret officers, as 
Mr. Van Vim had him to, where the rogues wor en- 
camped, an’ right away th’ very nex’ day the police 
was afther thim ; but naither hide nor hair, trace nor 
trail cud they find. Off in the night they’d sthrayed, 
an’ not a rag left on th’ way. 


84 THE ADVENTURES OF PONY DEXTER 


P’raps it’s jus’ as well. A brave bit av a lad is 
Archibald Train. Good luck till him! An’ good 
luck will it be to anny animal as comes under his 
hands, be it dog, horse or pony. ’Tis th’ gentil touch 
he hev that coodles thim over to onct.” 

Tillings left me unsatisfied. What about Archie 
— Archibald Train? Tillings said just enough to 
make me curious, forgetting I did not know his 
thought although hearing his words. 

But one glowing day soon afterward it was all 
made plain. Into my stall bounced Archie, bright- 
eyed, joy and gladness written all over his boyish 
face. He began in the old, familiar way : 

Hulloo, hossy, my, but aren’t you getting the 
boss for looks ! The cock of your ears is grander than 
ever. Your neck arches like the pictures of those 
swans, and the gloss you’ve got on you ! 

Have they told you the news, hossy dear ? 
P’raps not, because it’s a great secret, and a secret 
they are bound to keep it until the right moment 
comes for things to be known. 

Do you kuow to whom you belong? Well, just 
now your owner is Mr. Clifton Moore, but the last 
of the month you will be the property of Mrs. Clifton 
Moore. 

You’re all bought, hossy, and have you heard of 
the fine new stable that is going up ? ” 

I gave a little stamp to show my interest. 

^^Ho? Well, there’s a fine new house going up 
not far from here, and at the back of it they’re build- 


THE ADVENTURES OF PONY DEXTER 85 


ing a very pretty stable. When Mr. Moore gets mar- 
ried he is to take his lovely wife to the new house, 
and you are to be one of his wedding presents to the 
beautiful Gladys, your home to be in the brand new 
stable, and for a little while I am to care for you. 

Won’t you get combed and fed ? And won’t your 
fine bay coat have a shine on it that won’t come off ? 
We’ll see, we’ll see! Another hossy will keep you 
company there. 

That high-blooded Arabian will have a wide box 
stall, and an older groom is to look after us all. But 
Mistress Gladys is to know nothing about your being 
on hand until she sees you in the stall, then, won’t 
she dance? 

Mr. Moore knows how much she was pleased with 
you and her desire to have her father buy you. And 
very badly she felt on hearing that you had been 
spirited away, l^ot that she had any great hopes of 
your becoming her pony, for Perley Bolt has told up 
and down, high and low, that some time he should 
get you back. 

Perley Bolt knows nothing of your being in town. 
Wouldn’t he raise a rumpus if he heard ? l^ot that 
it would do any good if he did; but Mr. Van Vim 
says quiet ways are always the best. 

^ij'ighty-night, hossy. Great days coming for you 
and me. Look sharp, they’ll soon be here.” 

So here I am, the luckiest pony in the world. 
Three box stalls are in the well-built, convenient 


86 THE ADVENTURES OF PONY DEXTER 


stable where I have my borne. The mottled Arabian 
occupies one, and the third is reserved as an extra,” 
a good thing to have, and likely to come in use at 
any time. 

Dick, the older groom, knows so much about 
horses it is a pleasure to watch him go about caring 
for us both. Does a joint swell ? He knows exactly 
the liniment or salve that will put it down at once. 
Does the Araby beauty strike ” or interfere ” ? 
Dick has a boot ” on in time to prevent serious 
mischief. Is either of us threatened with colic? 
Dick is the boy that forces something down our 
throats, stopping the pain in a trice. 

Tillings had me clear of threatened asthma, in less 
than a week after my return from the camp, and he 
showed skill in bandaging my knee, so that that 
too became rid of all bad symptoms, caused by 
too much dancing and burden-bearing in the gypsy 
camp. 

Was not Gladys indeed a gladsome creature when 
she saw me? After hearing my story and knowing 
I had been rescued and returned to become her own 
dear pony, her delight was like that of a happy, over- 
joyed child. 

I think her husband must have felt repaid for hav- 
ing so promptly secured me, in seeing her great satis- 
faction. And won’t I bear her carefully over the 
road, fly with her, nimble and sure-footed on the 
merry fox hunt, speed evenly and without stum- 
bling on the morning gallop, or race for her with- 


THE ADVENTURES OF PONY DEXTER 87 


out breaking should there be another test of pony 
speed ? 

Archie said, in telling of the new home, that he was 
to care for me for a little while. 

Yes; I am his special care. But I have gleaned 
the fact that he is to go to school as a boy of his age 
should. He has a home with the Widow Hebble,” 
a good motherly woman who looks after him with 
kindly interest, receiving in turn a portion of his 
moderate wages with Mr. Moore, and the many help- 
ful turns the boy is able to give her. 

Dick tells him that when he is through school there 
will be plenty of skilled veterinary surgeons who will 
be glad of his assistance, meantime teaching him how 
to care for and cure ailing and valuable animals. 

One day, Perley Bolt saw me in a paddock by the 
stable door. 

Handsomer than ever ! ” he muttered, eyeing me 
ruefully. If ever I own a fine pony like you again, 
I hope I’ll know enough to treat him decently.” 

So it may be Perley will grow sensible as he grows 
older. 

I was glad to hear Dick telling Archie one day, 
that Marco Boo had been sold to a boy of a kind and 
gentle disposition who had no trouble with him at all. 
Marco is deserving of the best of treatment, and will 
be steady and willing, I feel sure, with a young mas- 
ter of the right kind. 

I must tell how amused I was at something Dick 
said the other day. He had been chattering away 


88 THE ADVENTURES OF PONY DEXTER 


half to himself and half to the Arabian when he said 
briskly : 

I tell you that young mistress o’ yours needs 
watchin’ ! Apples and lump sugar are all very well 
for bosses and ponies once in a while. But apples 
and sugar given too frequent brings on colic and all 
sorts o’ jim jams.” 

But my laughing young mistress calls on me very 
often, especially when it is too stormy for her to go 
out. Whether Dick is “ watchin’ ” or not she usu- 
ally gives me a great lump of loaf sugar, and merrily 
enough I champ it down. 

I don’t believe sugar hurts ponies. And how I do 
love a great glistening chunk of white lump sugar! 

But better than that, and far better than all else 
in the world, do I love my fair young mistress, and 
dear Archie Train. 


THE EHD. 




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